Custom Transit Updates

Custom Eligibility Project update Website improvements ARBOC roll-out Maintenance training Driver training Drivers’ manual

Custom Eligibility Project

• Need identified by partners• Address constraints, costs, aging population

• Discussed issues & opportunities with operating partners

• Researched practices from other jurisdictions

• Developed project plan & budget options

Moving Forward Webinar invitations to local governments

May 2 & 8

Questions & feedback Letters of support Secure approvals, funding

Service area making way into AOAs

Website Improvements

• Consistent information• Additional policy information for riders• Website info new rack cards &

brochures

o Email will be sent this montho Feedback to handyDARTupdate@bctransit.com

• More improvements to cuspara stats sheet coming soon!

ARBOC – The newest addition to BC Transit’s light duty fleet

ARBOC Overview• Chevrolet diesel

chassis• Composite body

structure• Low floor• Air suspension

with kneeling feature

• Hydraulic Ramp

ARBOC Trial Fleet• 15 ARBOC units purchased in 2010• Three lengths – 21 ft, 23 ft, 26 ft• Deployed in six test locations

• Vernon Paratransit• CFV handyDART• Kelowna handyDART• Kamloops handyDART• Victoria handyDART• Quesnel Paratransit

ARBOC Trial Successes

• Fuel savings over incumbent Ford Polar

• Noise reduction in driver’s area • 74.5 dba Polar vs 72 dba ARBOC

• Improved comfort for passengers• Larger windows• Fabric seats• Aesthetics• HVAC system

ARBOC Trial Identified Areas for Improvement• Driver’s station

• Seat• Master power light• Switch console• Mounting location for equipment

• Interior layout• Increased training• Initial ride quality• Ramp

• Incline• Deployment

Light Duty Procurement Project• 11/12 Replacement Program

• Includes 57 ARBOC's• Delivery estimated to begin in July or August at a rate of 3 buses/week• Delays due RFP development and new vehicle technologies on the market

• 12/13 Expansion Program• Includes 13 buses, subject to approval• Delivery expected to follow 11/12 replacement program

• 12/13 Replacement Program • Includes 59 buses, subject to approval• Delivery expected to follow the 12/13 expansion program

• Included with delivery• Maintenance and Operator training• Bus information package• Manuals

ARBOC Specification Process• Identified areas for improvements on 15 bus trial specification and

delivery process heard!

• 11/12 replacement order focused on addressing all identified improvements

• Operating partners from several locations around the province brought to Victoria for specification meetings

• All operating partners scheduled for a replacement vehicle were contacted to determine capacity requirements and address concerns about ARBOC

Improvements Achieved• Driver’s station

• Seat - lowered• Master power light - Eliminated• Switch console - Redesigned• Mounting location for equipment – Multi-mount adjustable plate

• Interior layout – see improved layout in following slides

• Increased training – comprehensive Maintenance and Operator training

• Initial ride quality – suspension software updated and larger air bags installed

• Ramp• Incline – Now 1:6 slope• Deployment – Ricon ramp

HandyDART Floor Plan

Paratransit/Community Bus Floor plan

Maintenance Training Plan• 8 hours of training expected to be provided to each

community receiving an ARBOC• Training to focus on:

• Preventative maintenance• HVAC• Air Suspension• Ramp• Other ARBOC installed components• Basic Chevrolet chassis components • EPA 2010 diesel engine requirements including diesel

emissions fluid (DEF)

Operator Training Plan

Four major components:

1. Online Video

2. Training Manual

3. On-Site Training

4. Trainer Support

Operator Training Plan – next step

• Video – professionally produced video will be available on line at

http://www.bctransit.com/sst/videos.cfm

Manual

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

PRE TRIP CHECKLIST – ARBOC

Before leaving the Transit facility, do a safety circle check of the bus.

•Open the Operator’s door and initialize the Main Power and Master Power. •Start engine, turn on headlights, 4-way flashers

Exterior Check•Headlights (if a headlight needs replacing, contact depot or garage and have garage personnel replace it while you complete the pre-trip)•Right-front tire, rim, lug nuts, wheel nut pointers•Right-side mirror•CVIP Decal expiry date•License plate expiry date•Right-front turn signal

Pre-Trip Procedure

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

Most Common Bus Problems – Arboc

Most Common Bus Problems Typical Fix

1. Check Engine/Transmission Light is on 1. Shut bus off, check for leaks, restart***

2. Wheelchair ramp or other device not working 2. Shut bus off, wait full minute, restart***

3. Doors do not operate 3. Shut bus off, wait full minute, restart***

4. No Start 4. Is bus in neutral? Lights off? Then try #2

5. Wipers do not operate 5. Shut bus off, wait for a full minute, then restart bus***

Most Common Problems

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

Change Offs

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

CARRY ON AND COMPLETE VECHILE DEFECT CARD

CALL DISPATCH FOR NEW BUS DRIVE TO OR CALL GARAGE FOR REPAIR

CLEARANCE LIGHT / LICENSE PLATE LIGHT NON-OPERATIONAL

DOOR MALFUNCTIONDriver and Front Door

PROBLEM WITH SEATBELT

HEADLIGHT(S)/TAILIGHT(S)BRAKE LIGHT(S)/SIGNAL

LIGHT(S)

DASH FANSIf windshield can be defrosted

without

DESTINATION SIGN NOT WORKING

WIPERS OR WASHER NON- OPERATIONAL

WINDSHIELD WIPER(S) WORN OR WASHER EMPTY

Dash Lights

EXTERIOR REFLECTORSMissing/Damaged

SUNVISOR UNSERVICEABLE

EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING WHEEL

STRANGE SOUNDS OR SMELLS REGARDING THE BUS

UNMARKED BODY DAMAGERadio Depot with Details

DESTINATION SIGN NOT WORKING

Change off

MISSING OR LOOSEOR ELONGATED

PATTERN AROUND LUG NUTS

FIRE EXTINGUISHER DEPLETED

EMERGENCY REFLECTORS (3)

WINDOWS WINDSHIELDCRACKED, CHIPSNot impairing vision

RADIO - NO COMMUNICATION

Or get a portable radio

HORN NOT WORKING MISSING WHEEL CHOCK

PASSENGER CHIME HORN

Dashboard Layout

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

A -- Radio

B -- Radio System C -- ARBOC Mobility Control Panel

D -- Power Heat Ramp

E -- Master Power (power switch when engine not running)

F -- Passenger Floor Light

Securement Procedure

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

Q-STRAINT SECUREMENT SYSTEM

For each wheelchair aid station you should have:

1. Four retractors with floor anchorage fittings.2. One lap-belt assembly.3. One shoulder-belt assembly.4. Four webbing loops.

Securing a Mobility Aid:

• Position the mobility aid facing forward in the rectangle formed by the four anchor points on the floor.

• Lock the brakes, and/or turn off power to the mobility aid.• Attach the front retractors to the floor anchorage points by sliding

the base of the retractor over the floor anchorage point until it “clicks” into place. Then give the retractor a shake to ensure it is securely locked.

• Pull the belts from each retractor and attach each of the J-hooks to a solid frame member.

Radio Procedure

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

RADIOMost buses are equipped with a two-way radio that allows contact with others. While there are different models used by BC Transit, a typical radio will have the following similar functions:

1. Speaker – Audio speaker for radio.2. On/Off & Volume Dial3. LCD Display – Displays current channel.4. Channel Selector Dial5. Function Buttons6. Microphone

To use the handset, depress the button on the side to speak and remember to release the button again to allow a response.Operators must follow safe practices when using the radio. Normally, the Operator should use the radio handset only when safely stopped. Before making a radio transmission, listen for any users currently making transmissions (approximately 3-5 seconds), and wait for the airwaves to clear before speaking. When making a radio transmission, be concise and remember to release the talk button after you speak to allow a response to your transmission.

Emergency Procedure

Emergency Procedure

Radio Procedure

Securement Procedure

Dashboard Layout

Change OffsPre-Trip

Most Common Problems

OPERATOR EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

During an emergency there are two codes to let your Supervisor / Manager know that you have an emergency — Code 6 and Code 9. When calling in an emergency you should first state your bus number, the code you are calling in, your location and a brief description of the problem.

Code 6 ( for example: Difficult Passenger)

If there is a danger of a situation escalating, contact a Supervisor /Manager, as illustrated in the following example:

“This is BUS #123, I have a CODE 6. I am at <LOCATION>. This is <A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM>.”

The Supervisor / Manager will head in your direction. If they cannot get a response from you after calling within 2 minutes they will treat your call as a “CODE 9” and call the police. If the matter resolves itself, contact the Supervisor / Manager and cancel the Code 6. This protocol does two things:1. The customer involved with the conflict will know a report has been made which may calm the situation.2. Your Supervisor/Manager knows your location and will initiate aresponse within two minutes.

On-Site TrainingA training program is only as good as its follow-up.  An

effective follow-up phase includes several things:   • getting feedback from trainees • assessing  the results• reinforcing key points• making on-the-spot corrections• determining what retraining is needed

Training SupportBC TRANSIT ONLINE TRAINING RESOURCE LIBRARY

www.bctransit.com/sst

This online training resource library has been created to share resources and promote communication among BC Transit staff and our partners. The site currently features the following:

Our first-rate training staff is also available to answer any questions or concerns, or to offer additional training.

•Documents

•Presentations •Programs

•Contact Information•Videos

•Links